Quarterback tryouts are over at Kansas

Topeka Capital-Journal, The,  Sep 23, 2001  by Ric Anderson Capital-Journal

BOULDER, Colo. --- Quarterback tryouts are over at Kansas.

Redshirt freshman Mario Kinsey, who had been competing with sophomore Zach Dyer for the permanent starting job, got the start on Saturday against Colorado and went the whole way in a 27-16 loss.

Throughout the fall, KU coach Terry Allen said he would give both QBs a chance to audition before making a final selection. After watching Kinsey throw for 165 yards and run for 36, he said his mind was made up.

"I think we've got to live and die with what Mario can do for us and give him the majority of the snaps," Allen said.

Kinsey went 12 of 25 for his 165 yards, linking with senior receiver Roger Ross to score the Jayhawks' lone touchdown.

Through two games, the 6-foot-1, 190-pound Texan has had a hand in three touchdowns and has accounted for more than 340 yards of offense.

After KU's opener, in which Kinsey was suspended for violating team rules, both he and Dyer played Sept. 8 against UCLA.

Asked why he didn't play Dyer against the Buffaloes, Allen said he had suffered a bruised sternum and was having some difficulty throwing the ball. But he indicated he believed Kinsey gave KU its best chance of winning.

"The way the game was going, it didn't make sense to take Mario out," he said. "It wasn't the time or the occasion to make any change."